Elliot Lake’s mining legacy turns into asset

Elliot Lake, Ont., is a town built on uranium mining. When the mines closed, many feared the town would too. But they underestimated the efforts of community leaders who successfully marketed their community as a retirement haven. The big draws were affordable housing, breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and a sense of community that serves as an antidote to these fast-paced times.

Photos such as the one above, from an impressive collection by retired miner Michael Zubernick, show that there is indeed life after mining. And the range of outdoor activities enjoyed by residents proves that the $95 million spent on reclamation by Rio Algom (ROM-T) and funds spent by other parties was money well-used.

Rio Algom is now approaching the end of one of the most ambitious mine rehabilitation projects ever undertaken in the industry. The company has spent millions to dismantle and remediate uranium mine sites, including the Quirke, Panel and Stanleigh mines. The six remaining sites are expected to be fully decommissioned by the end of this year.

The company also worked with a citizen-led organization called the Decommissioning Review and Advisory Committee (DRAC). Its mandate was to help Rio Algom understand community stakeholder needs and to provide a forum to discuss issues and concerns related to the mine decommissioning program. It also reviewed the company’s environmental performance.

Although DRAC ceased to exist this past summer, those involved are now looking to form a standing committee to ensure that communities in the Serpent River watershed remain environmentally healthy and economically sustainable. They believe that with 180 million tonnes of tailings requiring perpetual monitoring and care, ecological stability cannot be taken for granted.

Ken Bondy, DRAC’s former chairman, says the goal is to create a bridge between all stakeholders who have a responsibility for the region.

“In our view, a community-based environmental group of ordinary citizens interacting with mining companies, regulatory agencies and other groups on a regular basis is the most effective vehicle for ensuring that accurate and credible information is available to the public, both now and in the future.”

Bondy also believes that the organization would be a vehicle for mine-related research and allow the community to turn its mining legacy into an asset. “In fact, we believe that Elliot Lake and its mining legacy really are the centrepiece for all mining communities in Canada and in the world.”

Bondy says most of the local stakeholders, including the Serpent River First Nation and the townships of the North Shore, have endorsed the initiative. Others are expected to follow suit in the next few months.